[Greens-Media] Labor, Liberals block Canberra release of Pulp Mill document

[Bennett, Ebony (Sen B. Brown)]

Wednesday 27th August 2008
Labor, Liberals block Canberra release of Pulp Mill document
The Federal Government and Opposition joined forces in the Senate today to block Greens' Senator Christine Milne's motion to release documents related to the Gunns Pulp Mill under Freedom of Information.
"It is pretty obvious that the release of these documents would add to the pressure on Gunns in their dealings with stakeholders and the public and I am disappointed that Labor and the Coalition have determined not to allow the public to see this document," Senator Milne said.
"Under the Freedom of Information Act, section 23, the Minister has the power to make a decision himself. I think it is cowardice on behalf of the Government to blame a departmental officer when the minister is clearly making a decision to prevent the public having this document in the public interest."
"Ultimately, it is the houses of parliament that determine what can and cannot be release and I will be asking the minister to release these documents," Senator Milne said.
Further information: Russell Kelly 0438376082 ends

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Ebony Bennett
Media Advisor 
Senator Bob Brown | Leader of the Australian Greens 
e: ebony.bennett at aph.gov.au 
m: 0409 164 603 | p: (02) 6277 3170 | f: (02) 6277 3185
w: www.bobbrown.org.au <http://www.bobbrown.org.au/>   <http://www.greens.org.au>